Property Appraiser Sees Lull In Homestead Filings

The long lines of residents filing for their homestead exemptions are gone for the moment, but officials said the lines are sure to reappear as the March 2 filing deadline approaches.

``This week and next week people should try to get in to avoid the lines,`` said Sue Rankin, supervisor of the south county branch of the property appraiser`s office. ``We expect by the end of next week our volume will increase.``

The office, located in new, spacious quarters at 501 S. Congress Ave., in Delray Beach, next door to the South County Courthouse, processes on average of 230 applications each day.

The number tapers off around the middle of the two-month filing period, according to Rankin, but soars to double the average on the last day of filing.

``Last year on the last day of filing there were 471 applications,`` Rankin said.

During the current lull in filings, residents may not need to wait in line at all.

``I walked right in,`` said Gerald Hauswirth of Briny Breezes, who came to file on Tuesday afternoon. ``I was shocked.``

For those who put off filing until the end of February, however, the wait may be 45 minutes to an hour, Rankin said.

``(The process) shouldn`t take more than five minutes once they get inside,`` Rankin said.

Those filing should have the necessary documents to expedite the procedure.

A deed, current tax bill or other proof of property ownership is necessary, as well as a driver`s license, car registration or voter`s card to prove Florida residency. Those applying must also have a social security number.

Those who filed in previous years for the $25,000 exemption from the taxable value of their property should have received a card in the mail to renew the exemption.

Rankin said final reminder notices are being sent out to those who have not returned the renewal card. She said even if you have already returned t card and still receive a reminder, you should also return the reminder form.

For the past four years, the property appraiser`s south county office has accepted more homestead exemption filings than any other branche in the county.

So far, 5,755 people have filed at the south county office, while at the north county branch on PGA Boulevard, 2,507 applications have been made, Rankin said.

``It`s because south county has been growing,`` Rankin said. ``It just shows that south county doesn`t seem to want to stop.``

The total number of filings so far this year is nearly 600 more than at the same time last year, Rankin said.

The new office, however, helps the process go smoothly, Rankin said.

``The public doesn`t feel as crowded while waiting,`` Rankin said. ``It`s very pleasant. There is less congestion.